While hunger relief and lyrical verse might seem miles apart, a burgeoning movement of poets is proving that the two can intersect with profound effect. Enter “Poetry X Hunger,” the brainchild of former USDA official and poet, Hiram Larew. This innovative initiative collects and promotes hunger-centric poems for charitable use, demonstrating that the arts can touch hearts in ways cold hard data often can’t.

Larew’s argument is compelling: addressing hunger requires more than statistics and trend lines. It demands an emotional connection, a brush of humanity’s heartstrings. “The arts, especially poetry, possess the unique power to move, to stir emotions, to inspire action,” Larew notes.

After decades at the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Larew’s own poetic journey is a testament to this synergy. He argues the arts hold the potential to persuade policymakers and the public, allowing them to access the stark human realities of hunger. Recounting instances where young poets have captured the undivided attention of decision-makers, Larew underlines poetry’s uncanny ability to give a voice to critical issues.

“Poetry X Hunger” has expanded its influence by partnering with food banks and introducing them to the concept of a poet-in-residence. These resident poets get a firsthand look at hunger alleviation efforts, channeling their insights into evocative verse. Aaron Whitehead, the inaugural poet-in-residence for this initiative, wrote a piece about his time with Washington D.C.’s Capital Area Food Bank, that quickly ascended to the top placement on their website.

The recent rise of poetry in popular culture, fueled by Amanda Gorman‘s spellbinding performance at President Biden’s inauguration, amplifies its potential for advocacy. Whitehead opines that just as poetry has broken out of obscurity, issues like hunger deserve a spotlight. Drawing attention to little-known facts can be transformational, and Whitehead believes the poetic medium can be the catalyst for change.

In New York, West Side Campaign Against Hunger (WSCAH) is also vibing with the poetic frequency. Their community engagement efforts include a poetry contest focused on hunger during their annual “Rock the Block” party. This initiative aimed to incorporate the younger generation into the dialogue about food disparities.

Kira Garfinkel, a spokesperson for WSCAH, shared how this literary approach has allowed students to reflect on the stark disparities of our times. The success of their endeavor indicates the writing contest will be a recurring feature.

Larew is hopeful about the expansive canvas that awaits. He envisions a future where poetry and the arts play an intrinsic role in various facets of addressing food insecurity, even branching out to agriculture.

For now, poets are lending their voices, ensuring the narrative of hunger doesn’t remain just another statistic but resonates as a powerful call to action.